Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing capable leaders to head the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). He specifically praised the appointments of Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman. During a visit to the President, Dangote commended him for assembling a highly qualified team that can elevate NNPCL. He noted that the new leadership brings both technical expertise and strong management skills, which are key to revitalizing Nigeria’s most important public enterprise.
Dangote highlighted that the appointments reflect Tinubu’s clear vision to reform and modernize the energy sector. He expressed confidence that the team will tackle long-standing challenges, support the President’s ambition of a $1 trillion economy, and ensure NNPCL operates efficiently and sustainably.
In response to media questions about his earlier remarks regarding his $20 billion refinery and the "cabals" in the oil sector, Dangote clarified that his comments were not aimed at the new NNPCL leadership. Instead, he said his challenges stem from some oil marketers and traders trying to block economic reforms. He added that the current NNPCL leadership has so far been supportive of his company’s goals.
Dangote also praised recent NNPCL reforms, saying they show a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability. He reaffirmed his belief that the new leadership will boost Nigeria’s energy sector and promised his continued support for a stronger and energy-secure Nigeria.